Gavin Newsom Says He Won’t Run for President If Kamala Harris Runs in 2028

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has revealed that he would not run for president in 2028 if former Vice President Kamala Harris decides to seek the Democratic nomination.

Newsom made the surprising comments during an unusual long-form interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper while the two were fly-fishing in Montana.

Asked directly whether he would run if Harris entered the race, Newsom responded: “I wouldn’t run if she ran.”

Newsom explained that he did not want to create a damaging primary battle with Harris, arguing that the two politicians share many of the same supporters and political networks.

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“Why would I?” Newsom said, according to the interview. He argued that a contest between the two Californians could amount to “mutual assured destruction” and would not serve a greater political purpose.

Newsom’s 2028 Presidential Ambitions

Gavin Newsom And CNN’s Jake Tapper

Newsom has long been viewed as one of the potential Democratic contenders for the 2028 presidential nomination, although he has not formally announced a campaign.

In recent months, he has become increasingly active outside California and has spoken more openly about what would determine whether he eventually seeks the White House.

Newsom said he believes a presidential candidate needs to have a compelling reason for running.

“You’ve got to have a big enough why,” he said.

He also acknowledged that he was not ready to challenge President Joe Biden in 2024, saying he would have been defeated because he did not have a strong enough reason for entering the race at that time.

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Family Could Influence His Decision

Newsom also discussed how his family would factor into any decision to seek the presidency.

He said his wife and school-aged children would have to support the decision before he could seriously consider a White House campaign.

“If they’re not on board, that’s a non-starter,” Newsom said.

The governor has four children and said his family has helped change his perspective on what matters most in life.

Newsom Opens Up About His Personal Life

The wide-ranging conversation went beyond politics.

Newsom discussed his childhood, dyslexia, his first marriage, his mother’s assisted suicide, personal mistakes, the challenges of governing California during the COVID-19 pandemic and his political confrontations with President Donald Trump.

He also reflected on his years in public life and the lessons he has learned along the way.

“I know what matters in life,” Newsom said, emphasizing the importance of his family.

What Happens If Harris Does Not Run?

Newsom’s comments do not amount to a complete withdrawal from consideration for 2028.

Instead, they leave open the possibility that he could seek the Democratic nomination if Harris decides not to run.

Harris has not confirmed whether she will enter the 2028 presidential race. She has previously indicated that she is considering another White House campaign, keeping open the possibility of another Newsom-Harris showdown for the Democratic nomination.

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For now, Newsom appears to be keeping his options open while making one thing clear: if Kamala Harris runs for president in 2028, he says he will step aside.

The decision could have major implications for the emerging Democratic presidential field and the party’s search for its next generation of leadership.